Startups.ie

Well we have just recovered from the excitement of last weeks inaugural Startup Awards!

The 2012 Startup Awards were held last Thursday the 24th of May at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin. On arrival the atmosphere was amazing, there was a buzz of optimism and positivity which to any of us who have been struggling our way through this recession was like a shot in the arm.

Sponsors, Judges and short list nominees mingled and networked during pre ceremony drinks before myself and Judging Chairman Bobby Kerr said a few words of welcome. After a super meal MC for the night Colm O’Regan got us all laughing with his stand up routine and charm and then it was down to business….

As I mentioned before, we were blown away by the quality of entrants to the Startup awards, as a judge in two categories I can say how hard it was to pick only 3 Startups for awards in each section. Speaking to the other judges we were all agreed that the companies that really stood out were the ones that showed real passion in their application submissions, some literally leapt of the page! this passion combined with a great idea and growth potential often helped to secure a winning vote.

Starting any new business is difficult and often lonely, the Startup Awards are about celebrating in each other’s success, ignoring the doom and gloom and most importantly taking a well-deserved night off. I was delighted for all the winners and all the short listed companies. Everyone embraced the spirit of the night and were genuinely happy and supportive of each other as each winner was announced.

I would like to once again congratulate our Grand Prix winners The Handmade Soap company, they have a fantastic range of products, great branding and great potential….well done!!

I would also like to thank Bobby Kerr for his amazing support throughout the last six months – well above and beyond the call of duty!
Colm O Regan for fantastic entertainment on the night
Vodafone and all out wonderful sponsors – we could not have done it without you..
Our Judges who kindly gave up their time to review hundreds of submissions!
All our amazing entrants – you are all winners for having the courage to pursue your dreams!
The Burlington Hotel for a great evening

A Huge Thanks to Des and Alice at Alchemy Event Management for all the amazing work in helping to bring the Startup Awards to life!!

When I founded Startups in 2008 I always had a vision of an awards ceremony that would recognize those of us who were out there building businesses and creating employment. Last Thursday that vision became a reality and that is the buzz of entrepreneurship and the reason we all do what we do…

Stephen Dillon
Founder Startups.ie

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Full List of winners can be found here: http://startupawards.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Winner-Startup-Awards-2012.pdf